Quote:
Originally Posted by FrançoisCzapek
Definitely understand this, but then why don't veteran watch collectors champion the 5204P more than 5270/5970P?
Also, is 5204P arguably the most complicated complication generally available, outside a very niche, limited or custom model?
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I agree with GGFan and would add that it's also a generational matter, the older watch fans usually tend to go for the 5004/5970 whereas younger ones tend to like the newest versions. Aesthetical, size reasons... More in link with the fact that they experienced their watch evolution together with the 3970/5004 than the newer 5270/5170.
But the size also comes into play as it's subjective and depends on what our eyes were used to seeing but also compared to the wrist's size. Some don't like the 5270's bigger case (41, hence +1 versus the more complicated 5204) and others don't like the small 5004 (36.5mm!).
The 5204 is the most complicated chronograph (aside of the Advanced Research one). However, until recently the 5959 Split-second was maybe the most complicated one because of its size. It was a Split-second-only reference but very small (33mm case). Let's remember that watchmaking, since the pocket watches was also about downsizing watches to put them comfortably on a wrist. Hence, the smaller, the more refined it was. The 5959 was the thinnest Split-second chronograph ever created from what I read. Launched in 2005, the 27-525 was their very first in-house chronograph (Split-Second). More skill required to miniaturize mechanisms. But this has changed very recently, people even asking for movements to "fill the case". Which can seem contradictory.
As a reminder, the 5070/5970/5004 are Lemania-based chronographs whereas the 5170/5270/5204 are the first ones receiving the new "in-house" 29-535 caliber.
The 29-535 is improving in many areas, in a simple and clever way. Not complex to be complex; trap others tend to fall in with often much bigger sizes. However, the Lemania-based one was a charming (aesthetically) and very important caliber for that period (hand finishing, accuracy...), which was successfully brought up during a tough period (80's) with the launch of the 3970 in 1986 (?) and the future 1989 celebrations. It was an important era for Patek, thanks to Philippe Stern.
People sometimes wonder why Patek is Patek, this area is definitely a part of the whole picture.